Why Rajapakse sibling is acting as FM, asks UNP parliamentarian

[TamilNet, Thursday, 22 February 2007, 10:30 GMT]
Ravi Karunanayake, United National Party (UNP) Member of Parliament for Colombo District, addressing the parliament on Wednesday over a motion of adjournment concerning the responsibilities of the Government, said that since the assumption of power by Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse at least 3800 people have been killed, parliamentary sources said. He also questioned why Basil Rajapakse, presidential advisor and brother of the President is assuming Sri Lanka Foreign Minister's functions.

Excerpts from Mr.Karunanayake’s speech follow:

"There is no meaning on continuing the war and simultaneously speaking of peace. Unless peace is achieved there cannot be any development. There is an increase in the fraudulent activities and political interventions in government institutions.

"Political comedians have been responsible for the fall in productivity in a number of sectors in the country. Due to increase in inflation there has been an economic down turn.

"Basil Rajapakse, the brother of the President who is also the Presidential Advisor is addressing the matters that should be handled in foreign countries by Rohitha Bogollagama, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Basil Rajapakse visited China last week and participated in a number of talks. It raises the question who actually the Minister of Foreign Affairs is."